A MAN accused of falsely imprisoning and assaulting his victim before stealing cash from his bank account has been refused bail after gardai warned he was likely to commit similar crimes.

Jack Thame (20) from Clooncagh, Strokestown is facing charges of false imprisonment and assault on John Granaghan in Strokestown on June 25 last. He is also charged with stealing property from Mr Granaghan and the seizure of the victim's vehicle in the course of the incident.

He was one of two men who appeared before court yesterday in relation to the incident.

Garda Ursula Kilcoyne gave evidence of charge and arrest. When cautioned he made no reply to the first charge, on the assault charge he queried whether it was a Section two or Section 3 assault. On the charge of seizure of the victim's vehicle he replied; "Is that unlawful possession of a vehicle? Is that unlawfully holding against his will?"

On the fourth charge of of stealing property from Mr Granaghan, Thame replied; "I didn't take that money out."

Det Inspector Pat Finlay said Gardai opposed bail in the case highlighting the "seriousness of these charges and the evidence we have in support of these charges."

"I believe the accused, if he gets, bail will not turn up for trial. I believe he may commit further offenses," he added.

He told the court Thame was originally from England and his father continued to reside there.

"I believe he will commit similar crimes. The accused is from outside the jurisdiction, I believe he will flee the jurisdiction," he told the court.

The court heard that Thame had been living in Roscommon for 16 years.

The defendant gave evidence that he would not attempt to flee the jurisdiction if granted bail. He told the court he had assisted gardai in the matter.

"I came of my own free will when they came looking for me," he said.

Thame, who is unemployed, added that he had no passport and no strong links to the UK.

Judge Kevin Kilrane denied bail in the case pointing to the seriousness of the charge and the fact that the defendant had no meaningful connection to the State.

"The charge of false imprisonment carries a sentence of possible life imprisonment. In this case we have heard allegations of false imprisonment of a particularly nasty kind," added Judge Kilrane.

Thame was remanded in Castlerea to appear before Harristown court on July 5 for the directions of the DPP.

A second man, 18-year-old Jonathan Fitzpatrick appeared at Castlerea District Court on three charges relating to the incident. These included assault causing harm, falsely imprisoning and stealing property of Mr Granaghan.

The court heard that when the charges were put to him he made no reply.

Judge Kilrane requested a medical report or that the alleged victim attend court on the next date to highlight the injuries he sustained.

The court heard that if the assault is deemed serious enough the case could end up before the Circuit Court.

Garda David McDonnell told the court that gardai did not object to bail in the case of Mr Fitzpatrick with strict conditions. Mr Fitzpatrick was released on his own bond of €300. He must reside with his father in Rush Hall, Mountrath, Co Laois and sign on three times a week. He must also stick to a curfew between 10pm and 8am nightly.

The defendant also undertook not to obtain travel documents and not to have any contact with any of the witnesses or anyone involved in the case. Judge Kilrane also requested a

He was remanded on bail to appear at Strokestown District Court on July 24.

The alleged abduction took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Strokestown.